James A. Chamberas

Local property manager and well known track and field coach

James A. Chamberas, 71, of Chelmsford, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 12th at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston. He was the beloved husband of Barbara R. (Sherwood) Chamberas who survives him and with whom he celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on December 29, 2014. Born in Xerokámpion, Greece, July 30, 1943, a son of the late Fr. Athanasios E. and the late Artemis G. (Vlogiannitis) Chamberas, following his family’s immigration to the United States, he attended Poughkeepsie, New York schools and was a graduate of Poughkeepsie High School in the Class of 1961. Eager to further his education, he went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education at Springfield College in Springfield, MA in 1965 and then a Master’s Degree in Administration and Organization at George Williams College. Jim was owner and operator of Homtec Realty in Chelmsford. Previously, he was a longtime Assistant Coach of Track & Field Throwing Events at Chelmsford High School, Westford Academy and Phillips Academy. Among his many passions, Jim was the Founder and President of the Twilight Throwers in Chelmsford where he will fondly be remembered as Competitor, Coach, Official, Meet Director, Father, Husband and Friend. According to their Facebook post, Jim's motto will live with them forever...."THROW as FAR as you can, whenever you can, for as long as you can!” He was also a member of the YMCA World Service Division having created a camp for local youth in Beirut, Lebanon. In addition to his wife Barbara, Jim is survived by a son Michael A. Chamberas of Needham, MA; a daughter Christina Burndrett and her husband Robb of Tyngsboro, MA; a granddaughter Alexandra R. Burndrett of Tyngsboro; two brothers George A. Chamberas and his wife Cynthia of Salem, MA and Fr. Peter A. Chamberas of Hebron, NH; and many nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. at Fletcher from 4 to 8 P.M. Thursday. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Service on Friday morning at the ASSUMPTION of the VIRGIN MARY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH in Dracut at 10:30 o’clock. Burial to follow at Pine Ridge Cemetery in Chelmsford. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to the Cardiovascular Genetics Center at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Attn: Julia Viegas, Brigham & Women’s Hospital Development Office, 116 Huntington Ave, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02116. Arrangements by Funeral Directors James F. O’Donnell, Jr. and John W. Crane (978 or 866) 458-8768.

Jim was always welcoming and hard-working. Sincere condolences to all his family & many friends. A very special person, Jim left his mark on many.

2015-07-20 16:58:47
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Diana Gagnon
- Sincere Condolences to all

So sorry to hear of your loss. My heart felt sympathy goes out to all of you. May your sweet memories give you some comfort.

2015-07-17 17:52:17
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Myioshi
- The Best Coach

I couldn't have asked for a better coach than Coach Chamberas. His bright spirit and positive attitude always made throwing much more enjoyable. Because of his continuous joyful spirit I looked forward to throwing every day. These next to years I'll throw with Coach Chamby in my heart as if he was still outside the net telling me what to do. My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends. Thank you Coach.

2015-07-16 21:35:00
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Ahmed
- condolences to family and friends

I've know Jim for 10 years since I came to the United States. Jim his not only my landlord but a wonderful person and very friendly. A great loss to all who knew him. My condolences to family and friends.

2015-07-16 14:09:41
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Victor DeMarines
- Great person and will be missed

I met Jim a few years ago when I started to throw again. As was his nature made he made you feel welcome and encourage you on. He always was positive and you could tell enjoyed what he was doing. I will miss him and help keep his memory.

2015-07-16 11:54:29
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bob Cedrone

Words fall far too short at times like this, when trying to comfort a grieving family and friends on the death of so wonderful a human being as Jim. We are SO lucky to have had him for the time we did, although he left us far too soon. As one of his Twilight Throwers members, I had the chance to work closely with he and Jim Burgoyne in the planning of the USA Masters National Championship Throws meet, which forever stamped the club Jim started as one of the pre-eminent throwers clubs in the nation. Please know that the hearts of all of the members of the throws community are much sadder today from this loss, but are much the better for having met and known this wonderful man. I will miss him dearly and will try to honor his memory every time I wear the Twilight Throwers uniform.

2015-07-16 06:35:31
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Kevin Gleason
- Goodbye for now

Anyone who knew Jim, knew exactly the kind of man he was...The kind we all should aspire to. We were blessed to have him in our lives, and I for one, will miss him. Rest in peace Jim.

Other than Mike, it's been a long time since I've seen any of you ... But I know how good of a man Jim was and I can't even imagine the feeling of loss you must be going through right now.
Mike, I love you man… and to you and the rest of your family, we wish the deepest sympathy and please know that we are here if you need anything.

2015-07-15 09:39:23
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Jim Murdock
- 49 years

Chamby, Schloss, and I became friends in Beirut when I went there in 1966. That friendship was one of those that was timeless. Jim and I had wonderful adventures after Beirut and before Barb (and my wife Heather). After our marriages (within a week of each other), we spent time as couples including the celebration of our first wedding anniversaries in Florida in December of 1975. A friendship separated by time and distance never wavered and reunions were filled with laughter and wonderful stories. Heather and I extend our condolences to the Chamberas family knowing that they will miss him but also knowing they will have their family memories that will, over time, soften that loss. The shield that I had talked about with Jim will be over him now and over his family in the days to come.

2015-07-15 08:11:07
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Betsy Feldman kopstein

Dear Chamberas family in school and life as I felt he was always the kind soft spoken gentle person
He will be missed
I went to school with Jim and

Dear Family & Friends,
Jim's passing is a tragic loss to everyone that knew him, especially his family, his friends and the world of throwing events in the sport of Track & Field.
Rest in peace my friend and fellow Track & Field Official ............

2015-07-14 15:13:45
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Jim Burgoyne
- My Friend

Jim Chamberas was a man who gave the Track Throwing community a place to call home at Chelsmford HS. His founding of the Twilight Throwers gave us all a place to gather, compete, complain, laugh, sigh, encourage and be part of something special.
If not for Jim, I would likely not be a Thrower today. He gave me a place to kindle the fire I still have to throw.
Thank you my Friend. I will never forget what you have done for me and countless others.